1 SAMUEL
Context
1 Samuel marks the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. It tells the story of Samuel, the last judge and first prophet, and the rise and fall of Israel's first king, Saul, while introducing David as the future king.
Written around 1000-900 BC, 1 Samuel covers approximately 100 years of Israel's history. The book reveals God's sovereignty in choosing leaders and His faithfulness despite human failures.
Summary
Samuel's Birth and Ministry (Ch. 1-7)
Hannah, previously barren, prays for a son and dedicates Samuel to God's service. Samuel grows up in the temple and becomes a prophet, judge, and priest. He leads Israel to victory over the Philistines and restores proper worship, marking the end of the period of judges.
Saul's Rise and Fall (Ch. 8-15)
Israel demands a king to be like other nations, rejecting God as their true King. God chooses Saul, who starts well but quickly becomes proud and disobedient. His failure to completely destroy the Amalekites leads to God's rejection of him as king, though he continues to rule for many years.
David's Anointing and Early Life (Ch. 16-20)
God sends Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king. David enters Saul's service as a musician and later defeats Goliath, becoming a national hero. However, Saul becomes jealous and tries to kill David, beginning a long period of conflict.
David's Flight and Saul's Death (Ch. 21-31)
David flees from Saul and becomes an outlaw, gathering a band of followers. Despite multiple opportunities to kill Saul, David refuses to harm God's anointed king. The book ends with Saul's death in battle against the Philistines, setting the stage for David's reign.
Practice Questions & Answers
What is the main theme of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel chronicles Israel's transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy, showing the rise of Samuel as a prophet, the failure of King Saul, and the anointing of David as Israel's future king.
What is the significance of Samuel's birth and calling?
Samuel's miraculous birth to Hannah, who was previously barren, shows God's faithfulness in answering prayer. His calling as a prophet marks the beginning of the prophetic office in Israel and God's direct communication with His people.
Why did Israel want a king and what were the consequences?
Israel wanted a king to be like other nations, rejecting God as their true King. While God granted their request, He warned them about the consequences through Samuel, including taxation, military service, and loss of freedom.
What lessons can we learn from Saul's failure as king?
Saul's story teaches us about the dangers of pride, disobedience, and seeking human approval over God's approval. His initial humility gives way to jealousy and disobedience, leading to his rejection as king.
How does David's anointing point to Christ?
David's anointing as king, despite being the youngest and least likely candidate, shows God's choice of the humble and faithful. This foreshadows Christ, who came as a humble servant but is the true King of kings.